Two men charged in the murder and disappearance of a University of Cincinnati professor from Grant County were in a Fleming County court Thursday.
Charles Black and Kevin Howard are indicted on several charges, including murder, theft and kidnapping. They are accused in the murder and disappearance of Randall Russ from earlier this year. They’re also accused of moving the Grant County man’s body to a shallow grave along the river where police later found human remains.
Black’s attorney entered a not guilty plea for his client after the judge read the charges and how much time they could carry.
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Black’s attorney also asked for a bond reduction, which was denied, and that Black be moved from Mason County jail to either Fleming County or Montgomery County.
Howard’s attorney also entered a not guilty plea for his client and asked that Howard be moved to Mason County Detention Center to be closer to his law office.
Howard’s bond is still set at $1 million.
The Commonwealth says the two cases are proceeding separately, and will have future discussion about a joint trial with Charles Black. It’s also not clear as to whether they will seek the death penalty for either suspect.
A status hearing for both Howard and Black is schedule for Feb. 6, 2014.
